Retail Chains

Acknowledging the risks

There are many risks for the retailer. A number fall into broad categories. The employment associated ones are: misrepresentation of CVs; failure to conduct background or police checks; theft from the till; fraud against the employer or customers; pilfering of stock; unauthorised discounting and logistic chain fraud. Those connected with robbery are stock theft; armed robbery; break and enter; unauthorised access; lack of locks, security doors, unbreakable screens or monitoring systems; and theft of cash in transit. Those connected with precinct or community crime are graffiti; vandalism; arson; and disruptive behaviour which causes potential customers not to frequent the outlet or to leave it. As an employer there is significant obligation to provide a safe working environment for employees in a retail outlet. This list is not exhaustive but simply representative.

Creating the solution

A number of the risks, particularly those in the ‘employment’ category, can be mitigated by the approach, procedures and training of the employer. All the others will rely on a mixture of procedures, design and technology. The premises have to be designed to prevent crime. This means everything from the height and width of counters; the location of the point of sale; ensuring the lighting inside the premises is brighter than outside; incorporating permanent or temporary barriers; and securing the back door with adequate locking. A powerful aid is clear CCTV coverage of all the critical areas in the premises and clear signage that the system is operative and recording. As well, mirrors, alarm systems, lighting and merchandising design that prevents any hiding place. Statistics indicate the most likely time for robbery is at opening or closing time, so procedures need to reflect that danger. If single employees are rostered to work in the premises during hours of darkness, it would be sensible to install a duress alarm, have a system of regular notification and movement checks. Most of the solutions are technology based and their cost is lower than it has ever been. Your security arrangements and profile will be powerfully affected by your provider partner, call SNP Security.